‘Free us’: N.S. woman remains trapped in her home days after snowstorm

globalnews.ca:

A woman living in rural Nova Scotia says she’s been stranded for days after a record-breaking amount of snowfall covered most of the province last weekend.

Henriette VanVonderen, who lives in Antigonish County’s Meadow Green area, said despite her and her partner George clearing out their lengthy driveway, a 12-foot snowbank still towers at the entrance, blocking their ability to leave. She said as of Thursday, she has no idea when she’ll receive help.

“We’re on a dirt road, so of course, we’re going to be the last ones that they’re going to free,” she said.

“I’ve been watching how everybody’s been cleared out in town, and I’m like ‘Where are the reinforcements?'”

Earlier this week, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said the province was working with New Brunswick and P.E.I. to get more equipment to clear out roads, and the federal government will provision gear out of Cape Breton Highlands National Park to assist with the efforts.

Since then, several other organizations including the Canadian Coast Guard and Team Rubicon have arrived to offer assistance.

The snowfall, which was the heaviest in eastern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, accumulated upward of 100 centimetres in some areas.

VanVonderen said she attempted to clear the driveway by using her snowblower and tractor, but a flat tire emerged on the vehicle after only partially clearing a path.

“We can’t get out to get it repaired because we have no way of getting out the driveway,” she said, adding that the couple are now missing work as a result of being stuck.

“I’m not sure what’s going to be able to free us.”

She said she’s reached out to locals who own similar snow-clearing equipment for assistance. In response, she continues to get the same answer.

“They’v